Hello fellow sailors, It has been a while since I posted a question or comment, but I have to share this with you. I am sad to report that my 1973 Catalina 22’ #2113 has been destroyed by hurricane Katrina. The boat and I have spent four years together enjoying all that sailing has to offer. That Catalina vessel was strong and dependable. We shared many days and nights together on Lake Ponchartrain with a variety of crews. Now it is all over. I moved onto the boat during the summer of 2005 and was enjoying the marina lifestyle. The Catalina is a little small for a live aboard, but I was comfortable. The upgrades that were installed on the boat made it very livable. Air conditioning, fans, stereo, tv, computer, microwave, two burner stove, fifteen gallon fresh water tank, sink, shower, and refrigerator. Not to mention all the sailing necessities, and a small wardrobe. With that I had a house on the lake that I was very proud of, and enjoyed every day. Near the end of September 2005 I joined a friend of mine on an out of town business trip. We flew to Baltimore, MD and were helping with the security of a convention in Washington DC. During the convention, my friend and I were watching as Katrina (then a tropical storm) was crossing Florida. We kept an eye on the weather reports and after a few days could not believe that it would really hit New Orleans. By the weekend we were stunned to see Katrina develop into a category 5 hurricane and descend on our home city. For the next few days all we could do is watch the reports and wonder what could be the out come of everything that we left behind. By the end of the next week we were able to leave and fly to our respected families at their evacuation areas (mine in Little Rock AK, his in Baton Rouge, La). After a week in Little Rock, we were able to go back to New Orleans and see the damage and salvage whatever was left that was still there and not destroyed by water (which does not leave much). The good news is that my family and I all survived. The bad news is that everything we own is either destroyed or damaged. Everything that I owned, (except for the four outfits and toiletries I packed for the Baltimore trip) was gone. My car was destroyed by falling trees, rain and flood water. The vehicle was paid off and carried liability insurance. My boat that had every thing I owned on it was de-mast and sunk at the marina in the slip. You could not imagine how it feels. The boat too was paid off and carried only liability insurance. I could not believe my eyes at the site of the marina. When I arrived at the slip, all I could do was stare in disbelief. After a few pictures, I pulled the anchor light off the mast (that was leaning in the pier) and walked away. I posted a few pictures of the boat and marina on my web page. Click on the Katrina update for sail page link. http://www.geocities.com/netricks/index.html If you would like to see more pictures of the marina and destruction of Katrina, you can e-mail me at netricks@yahoo.com. I have a paypal account at the same address for anyone who would like to contribute a donation or help a fellow sailor who has lost everything.
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Check With FEMA
Rick, Sorry for your loss, others lost people so don't feel too bad. You should get on top of FEMA, why? This was your home and they help in these disasters. I was in American Samoa, sailing through, in '92. This was right after hurricaine Val which destroyed Pago Pago harbor. FEMA apid off each and every American cruiser that, lost or had damage to their yachts there. Many Samoans waylaid FEMA for BRAND NEW Toyotas, for various reasons... This is a fact I was there.
Rick, Sorry for your loss, others lost people so don't feel too bad. You should get on top of FEMA, why? This was your home and they help in these disasters. I was in American Samoa, sailing through, in '92. This was right after hurricaine Val which destroyed Pago Pago harbor. FEMA apid off each and every American cruiser that, lost or had damage to their yachts there. Many Samoans waylaid FEMA for BRAND NEW Toyotas, for various reasons... This is a fact I was there.
FEMA is not an insurance company...
... and Rick elected not to have insurance on his two most expensive / necessary posessions. I think we can all relate, somewhat, to his loss, and I am saddened because of it. However, I am at a loss as to why FEMA should pick up the tab. I am not sure why I should pay for insurance on my boat, then pay taxes for insurance on his boat as well, then contribute to a paypal account to help mitigate the loss even furthur. There is a national debate relating to taking responsibility for one's actions or inactions. I think it should apply here as well. Even so, wishing Rick the best of luck..... Jeff
... and Rick elected not to have insurance on his two most expensive / necessary posessions. I think we can all relate, somewhat, to his loss, and I am saddened because of it. However, I am at a loss as to why FEMA should pick up the tab. I am not sure why I should pay for insurance on my boat, then pay taxes for insurance on his boat as well, then contribute to a paypal account to help mitigate the loss even furthur. There is a national debate relating to taking responsibility for one's actions or inactions. I think it should apply here as well. Even so, wishing Rick the best of luck..... Jeff
Loss
I too can sympathize with Rick having lost two of his most important possessions. However, I agree with Jeff...Rick chose not to have insurance, knowing the consequences of that action, he must now accept responsibility for that decision. I also question the appropriateness of his post (soliciting donations) on this forum.
I too can sympathize with Rick having lost two of his most important possessions. However, I agree with Jeff...Rick chose not to have insurance, knowing the consequences of that action, he must now accept responsibility for that decision. I also question the appropriateness of his post (soliciting donations) on this forum.
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